Cisco, a company that provides networking products and services worldwide, also offers certifications in the field of information technology at progressive levels of expertise. Associate-level certifications, such as the Cisco certified network associate (CCNA), are designed to develop foundational knowledge in networking. Professional-level certifications, such as the Cisco certified design professional (CCDP), build upon that foundation to develop advanced skills.

Start with the CCNA

Aspiring network engineers should consider CCNA certification as a key starting point. This certificate opens the door to more advanced certifications by validating that certificate holders have already built critical foundational knowledge before jumping to the next level. Study materials and training classes equip CCNA certification candidates with the knowledge and skills needed not only to support small- and medium-sized networks, but also to perform network installation, configuration and management. The certification exam then tests the candidates for each of these functions.

Zero in on a Specialty

You can obtain CCNA certification in eight areas of specialization, including routing and switching, data center, security, service provider, service provider operations, video, voice or wireless, depending on a candidate’s area of specialization. The CCNA routing and switching certification program is the one required for those seeking to progress toward CCDP certification.

Take the Bridge to CCDP

Candidates who already have a CCNA can’t go straight to a CCDP. The Cisco certified design associate (CCDA) certification program provides a bridge between the CCNA routing and switching certification and the CCDP certification. This certificate validates that network technicians and design engineers have the foundational knowledge and skills needed to design efficient network environments.

Achieve CCDP Certification

After obtaining CCNA routing and switching certification and CCDA certification, network engineers can consider CCDP certification. This certification program is designed for senior engineers who are ready to handle large, multilayered enterprise architectures. Areas covered include building scalable internetworks, virtual private networking, wireless domains, and advanced addressing and routing. Certification as a CCDP requires candidates to pass not just one but three comprehensive exams in routing, switching and architecture.

The Big Picture

The career development path from CCNA routing and switching certification to CCDP certification doesn't happen overnight. Look to start as a network administrator or support engineer and then progress toward the role of a senior network design engineer or architect. Robert Half Technology reports that network administrators without Cisco networking certifications can expect to earn between $66,750 and $99,500 in 2014, while network architects can expect between $109,250 and $156,500. Adding Cisco certification can boost these salaries by an average of 9 percent.

About the Author

A careers content writer, Debra Kraft is a former English teacher whose 25-plus year corporate career includes training and mentoring. She holds a senior management position with a global automotive supplier and is a senior member of the American Society for Quality. Her areas of expertise include quality auditing, corporate compliance, Lean, ERP and IT business analysis.